Lisa Smith

Lisa Smith is an Associate Professor of Practice and Head of the Dance Program at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in the Department of Theatre and Dance. She has been a faculty member since 2002, teaching courses such as Ballet, Performance, Dance Appreciation, Pedagogy, World Dance, and Dances of Mexico and Spain. Her professional background includes international soloist performances and over 40 original choreographies, including notable works like Carmen, The Firebird, and Pachuco Zoot: A Tale of Identity. Her research interests focus on choreographic form and themes tied to the Texas/Mexico border region.

Smith holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin and an MFA in Creative Writing from UTEP. In 2016, she was honored with the College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Faculty in the Arts Award for her contributions to the arts and education.